Kraft Considers Expanding Illinois Plant

GRANITE CITY, Ill. (AP) — Kraft Foods is weighing whether to spend $40 million to expand a southwestern Illinois plant if the city and state provide about $400,000 to widen a road in front of the site.

The Suburban Journals of Greater St. Louis reports that the move would add 30 jobs to the 660,000-square-foot plant and warehouse. The facilities now have more than 400 workers. The plant produces Capri Sun and Kool-Aid beverages.

As part of the project, the Illinois Department of Transportation would provide $300,000 for the road widening. Kraft says it's needed to allow trucks to turn into the plant.

Granite City Economic Development Director Jonathan Ferry says the matter may go before the city council sometime between April and June.